Her Destined Ride — Chapter 21: MISS HAPPINESS-DEPENDENT

She looked at her in the eyes without blinking. She tried to see if her mother will eventually say that it's only a joke. However, she's as serious as she is.

"How come?" She found herself saying to her those words. Her mom sighed as she sat straight.

"Long story, dear."

"How come I didn't have an idea about it? Since when did it start?"

Sunny's mother stepped back as if regretting what she had said in an instant. She was about to turn her back to Sunny when she also stood up and block her way.

"Were you really trying to hide it from me in the first place?" Sunny studied her reaction. As she faced her, she sighed once again.

"It just happened when I least expected it. You know what, Sunny? Mr. Athkinson is a good man. In fact, he could give both of us a bright future."

"You don't depend your future to a man. We could always work together to overcome poverty." Sunny could't help but to disagree to what her mother has been talking about.

Based on her experience, being a strong, independent woman is really great. Sunny learned how to be great without a man. She's also certain that her mom could do it too.

"Yeah, try to tell that to me. I've been working nonstop, any job possible to have for more than ten years. Look, we got rich, right?" She could feel the crisp sarcasm coming from her mother. Sunny couldn't help but sigh. She's definitely right.

Sunny think that they lived in different times, situations and experiences. She began to think that she's her mom's opposite when it comes to dealing with life.

"You couldn't even tell me what happened to dad clearly and here you are entering a new relationship as if you're single."

"You knew it already. You're not only accepting the fate that he left us with. Get over it Sunny. We all have a chance to move on, too. Not only him."

"Yes. I know what you mean, but this?"

"Sunny, I want to get over your dad. If it is my fault, then I already paid the price. He was happy and I am choosing happiness this time around, too."

"I don't know what to say." I shook my head as she looked at her mother's face.

"I...I just want to inform you. I guess you also deserve to know what's happening because you're my daughter."

Fast forward, in the year 2020, her knowledge about her father is limited. All she knew was her father left her mom when Sunny was only five years old. He went with another woman and he got another family. Her mom, because of too much disappointment and sadness, immersed herself to work. She worked day and night, literally. She even forgot how to send Sunny to school or to teach her the basics.

Is this for real? Is she really ready to get over with dad and start a new life with another man? How long has she been thinking about this?

"Who am I to stop you if you are happy with him?" Sunny dared say at last. She saw her mother's face suddenly lit up.

"Really? Do you mean it, dear?"

"If he will make you happy again, you have my support."

She pulled her closer to her chest and hugged Sunny tight. She could also feel that her mother is sobbing as if there's a big lump removed inside her throat. I guess she's trying to find a right timing of when to really tell her about Mr. Athkinson and the relationship they already have.

"Will it be okay for you if we'll move into their house if ever?"

"What do you mean, mom?"

"Mr. Athkinson told me that he could take good care both of us if we'll be living with him."

She never answered her. Instead, she went in her room. She felt she had enough of all the things confessed by her mom today.

She sat on her bed as she contemplated the year 2020 again. Were the people from that year function without her? Is the convention done already? How can she be able to go back when she felt like stuck in her childhood?

She got a pen and a paper and started to draw the things that happened today. Sunny tried to weigh the dominant emotions she's been having, now that her mom is having her new relationship with another guy. What will her life be after it? Sunny hopes that this revelation from her past will not affect the present year she'll be living.

She lay down on the bed as she closed her eyes. Everything that happened to this day alone seemed to be tiring for her to accept.

The next day, Sunny woke up with an unusual vibe. It was supposed to be her who will prepare breakfast. However, today seemed to be special. She was a bit surprised when her mom woke up earlier than the usual and prepared breakfast for the both of them.

She rubbed her eyes as she went near their dining table.

"Hello honey! Good morning! Breakfast is ready!" That's her mom with her most energized voice. She's never seen her this happy ever since she went back from her future life. Sunny glanced at their wall clock.

"Really, mom? I thought that was my 'iconic' line? Besides, it is only six in the morning. Your time for work is later at ten. You can still sleep,"

"This silly girl. Don't you want me to prepare breakfast to you this time? Look, I prepared pancakes and hot chocolate for the both of us."

Sunny remembered that they had dinner at seven in the evening last night. When she heard of pancakes, she instantly felt hungry.

"Wow! That looked delicious!"

"Of course! I topped it with chocolate and maple syrup, the way you like it!"

"Thanks mom! Let's eat."

Sunny wanted to be sentimental. She even wanted to tell her mom that she will still think about accepting Mr. Athkinson in their life. However, she can't deny the fact that she's only young...well at least for that year.

Maybe it is not bad to enjoy being young once more.